Established as Carter's Academy of Self-Defense in 1997. Today, at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lexington we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, athleticism, or ability. We are proud to say we are continuing the legacy of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie who believed Jiu-Jitsu should empower the weak to be able to defend against the strong. This is why we offer structured martial arts curriculums specific to the self-defense needs for any demographic or skill level, with programs created for beginner adults, women, and children. Our academy offers top quality instruction in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Youth Martial Arts (Gracie Bullyproof®), Women's Self-Defense, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics. Our owner and Head Instructor, John Carter, is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black-Belt, an Aikido Black-Belt, a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Level 4 Instructor and a Gracie Survival Tactics® Instructor with 38 years of martial arts experience.He is also a Certified Women Empowered® Instructor and is certified to teach the Nationally Recognized Gracie Bullyproof Program.  After graduating from The University of South Carolina, he began teaching Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido, Judo, and Karate in Lexington, Irmo, Chapin and Columbia. Today, our headquarters academy is Lexington, South Carolina's Level 4 Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Center® authorized by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Headquarters Academy in Torrance, California.